Synthetic biology has enormous potential to change the world from cancer treatment to mitigating climate crises and the iGEM competition has inspired countless innovations. But at the same time, we must recognize the potential risks when dealing with living organisms. As researchers, we have a dual mission: not only to drive technological progress but also to act cautiously to ensure that our work is safe and responsible for both society and the environment. Every day we must evaluate and manage these risks with the highest standards to build a better future.

The rules and policies of iGEM provide clear guidance for risk management, and as researchers, we are committed to following these regulations to ensure that our work is both innovative and responsible. Next, we will share our specific practices in complying with these rules and policies.

We are not planning to do any prohibited activities. In addition, all our work is covered by the White List. Our team did not use the product on animals or animal samples nor did we bring genetically modified organisms out of the laboratory. We did not use any parts or organisms obtained from sources other than reliable commercial or institutional suppliers nor did we bias the genetic frequency of genetic markers in the offspring of organisms nor did we increase the risk of antibiotic resistance. And we have confirmed that relevant laws, regulations, and institutional rules do not require us to get formal approval.

The reagents used in the preparation of antibiotics and activation of Agrobacterium such as kanamycin sulfate, rifampicin antibiotics, dimethyl sulfoxide, and acetyl syringone have specific application backgrounds and may pose varying degrees of harm to the human body. In order to avoid harm, the team advisor and mentor led us to clarify appropriate management procedures and the laboratory and all staff took appropriate safety measures to ensure that pollutants did not leak from the laboratory to the outside world.

Our project envisages two scenarios to achieve astaxanthin in longan. In the first scheme, the longan gene homologous to CrBKT and HpBHY was transferred into the callus of longan to achieve astaxanthin overexpression. In the second scheme, a vector was constructed to transfer the genes CrBKT and HpBHY into longan callus through Agrobacteriumto achieve a higher synthesis of astaxanthin. Everything we do in both scenarios is in accordance with iGEM's rules and policies.

In order to avoid contaminating our genetic materials and expression vectors during the process of transferring multiple genes into longan callus and introducing exogenous genes, we must ensure that laboratory facilities meet strict standards. The following is a photo display of our laboratory space covering multiple areas required for conducting various experimental activities.

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As responsible and safety-conscious researchers, we must conduct meticulous analysis at every stage of the project. From the initial concept to the final implementation of the project through ordering the required materials, the entire process requires comprehensive and specific consideration of various potential safety hazards. Mainly led by Professor Cao, when we found it difficult to find suitable target genes for longan in the experiment, the teacher gave us directions for constructing the source of target genes and helped us find two co-expressed genes CrBKT and HpBHY.

Astaxanthin has the pain point of low production, wide application but high price in the cosmetics industry, and our team tries to solve this problem. According to the research conducted by our team, longan has rich nutritional value and astaxanthin expression in longan can also improve the stress resistance of longan. When we failed to find homologous gene expression in longan, we began to try to construct a vector to introduce foreign genes into longan callus, hoping to increase astaxanthin content of longan plants and finally achieve a win-win situation.

The use of gene-editing techniques often requires the use of chemical agents such as kanamycin sulfate, the antibiotic rifampicin, dimethyl sulfoxide, and acetylsyringone, which are toxic or irritating to humans and can cause harm to lab team members or colleagues.

Secondly, biosecurity is another important aspect. The receptive Escherichia coli (such as Dh5α) and Agrobacterium used in the experiment are living microorganisms and improper handling can lead to bacterial leakage resulting in laboratory contamination or infection of researchers.

In addition, it is necessary to comply with relevant laws and regulations when handling genetically modified plant materials to prevent adverse effects on the environment. This includes the use of biosafety cabinets for aseptic manipulation as well as rigorous recording and tracking of all GM materials.

Physical injury is also a problem that cannot be ignored. There is a risk of cutting or stabbing when using sharp tools such as syringes and pipettes, so these tools need to be handled with care and stored properly. In addition, when using liquid nitrogen to freeze samples, care should be taken to avoid direct contact to prevent frostbite.

Ionizing radiation is also a factor to watch out for. Although this experiment mainly involved UV sterilizing lamps, prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause damage to the eyes and skin. Therefore, when using UV lamps, be sure to wear appropriate protective clothing such as long-sleeved clothing and a mask and ensure that the UV lamp is turned on when no one is present.

Cross-contamination is a common problem in biosynthesis experiments, which can lead to inaccurate results or even failure. In order to avoid this situation, the different experimental areas should be strictly distinguished, one-way workflows should be used, and the work surface and instruments should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.

Besides my supervisor, I would typically seek help from risk management experts within the project team or the head of relevant departments. If I identify danger or risk during a project, I would first assess its severity and impact, then report to the appropriate expert or supervisor, and collaborate on developing solutions and mitigation measures.

Our team members have received some necessary safety and security training. Each team member is familiar with appropriate safety and security training, learning about lab access and rules, responsible individuals, differences between biosafety levels, biosafety equipment, good microbial technique, disinfection and sterilization, emergency procedures, rules for transporting samples between labs or shipping between institutions, personnel biosecurity, data biosecurity, and chemical, fire, and electrical safety.

In the laboratory, we ensure the wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and laboratory coats, and operate in a well-ventilated environment. At the same time, strict regulations require sterile operations to be carried out in biosafety cabinets, as well as strict recording and tracking of all genetically modified materials. We will also strictly distinguish different experimental areas, adopt a one-way workflow, and regularly clean and disinfect the workbench and instruments. Finally, a detailed waste management plan was established to ensure that all waste is properly disposed of.